21/11/2015

Most disabled people know that you do not need to pay VAT on
things like manual or powered wheelchairs and other disability or mobility aids
purchased specifically to meet your disabled needs. However, VAT exemption for
disabled people is far more widespread than that and can at times be a bit
confusing.

Apart from disability and mobility aids that you purchase
most people don’t realise that if you have building work, alterations or even
additions to your house that all of the services could well be VAT exempt
providing that they are designed for your specific use as a disabled person, typical
examples are the installation of a wet room, exterior ramp into your property
and any adaptations that are needed for you to live a normal day-to-day life. I have created an area of Ableize to offer details and links to HM Revenue and Customers see VAT Exemption for the Disabled.

Take a wet room for example, if you employ a VAT registered
company to do the work you would not be required to pay the VAT on their labour
nor would you pay VAT on any fixtures and fittings but that said it most probably will be unlikely that the person undertaking the work will be aware of this
and it might well be something that you need to point out and explain that they need to provide
you with a VAT exempt form to fill in and sign, and bill you without the VAT. Remember that VAT is
a whopping 20% on every thousand pounds the job costs so you could potentially be
saving £200.00.

One very misunderstood area of VAT exemption for disabled
people, especially for wheelchair users is the purchase of a new car or vehicle.A few months ago I was speaking to a young
chap that sadly lost both his legs fighting in Afghanistan. He must of received
a large cash sum for his injuries because he treated himself to a brand
spanking new Range Rover Sport for around 60 grand. After a while we got
talking about rights as a disabled person in general and I found out that he
had purchased the car outright and was never told about the VAT exemption for
wheelchair users. He could have saved himself a whopping £12,000! Now that really
is a serious saving.

If anybody is looking at buying a new car I have done some
homework and found a company called Orange Wheels that specialise
in supplying VAT exempt cars
for wheelchair users check out their site or give them a call on 0800 612
7844 and don’t forget to tell them Ableize sent you.

15/09/2015

Recent research undertaken by the Department of Health and Alzheimer’s UK has shown that there is an argument for encouraging activity based approaches with dementia patients, which help them keep their mind active and reconnect with their surroundings. So, in 2009, when Ben Atkinson-Willes’ grandfather was sadly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he was encouraged to play games, his favourite quickly becoming jigsaw puzzles. However, Ben began to notice that as his grandfather began to deteriorate his ability to play games became harder and the variety of games that he could use became limited, with the carers having to resort to giving him children’s toys.

It was during this difficult time that Ben, a design student at Kingston University, realised that there was a need for age-appropriate, suitable games for dementia patients and Active Minds was born. Using his skills as a product designer and inspired by his grandfather’s love of jigsaw puzzles, Ben started creating his first range of award winning jigsaw puzzles. He needed to take into account a number of important factors when designing the game; the pieces had to be large enough and tactile enough to be used by elderly hands unaided, and to include images that would resonate with the patient. Initial tests yielded great results, with one elderly dementia patient starting to reminisce about his time in the war as he completed a puzzle with a picture of a Spitfire.

Today Active Minds is a thriving company, with a variety of specially designed games for dementia patients, including picture books and exercise DVDs. For more information visit their website www.Active-Minds.co.uk

Now in its ninth successful year, The Stelios Award 2015 is open for applications.

The award, jointly run by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability acknowledges entrepreneurs who have overcome disability or long-term health conditions to create and run an established business.

The successful winner will receive £50,000, the largest award of its kind. Previous winners have hailed from a variety of diverse sectors, including travel agent, home build and IT industries, as well as companies which specialise in disability/mobility aids.

The benefits of receiving this award is marked. Last year’s winner, Ben Wolfenden, founder and director of digital marketing company Visibilis (www.visibilis.co.uk) said of receiving the award, “Winning the 2014 award has meant so much to me both financially and personally. I've been able to solidify the team and our offering, grow some fantastic new clients and build a better working environment for my health.” He adds “I would urge anyone with a disability, whether you see yourself as an entrepreneur or not, to apply and let Stelios and his team decide!”

30/07/2015

Stair lifts are a real blessing for those who own homes with more than one floor. Unfortunately, there’s a common misconception that stair lifts can only be used on standard stair cases. This is not the case. In fact, you can install one in practically any home to help retain your independence and prevent you having to move into specialised accommodation.

Why choose a stair lift?

Stair lifts are motorised devices to help you get up and down staircases. Many models can be configured to work with a wheelchair, so they’re suitable for many different illnesses and disabilities. However, due to the size of most lifts, they can struggle with narrow stairways.

Although they are designed to work under loads, you’ll need to check any potential lift to make sure it can carry your weight. They have a lifespan of ten years at the least, but longevity depends on how frequently you use them.

Stair lift are a sometimes costly investment, retailing for £1800 and up when purchased new. However, refurbished options are available which will significantly reduce costs. For most suffering disabilities, you can apply for a home improvement grant to spend on fitting a lift.

Different styles of stair lift

There are a number of styles of lift that may suit your needs. The following are all tailored to a specific requirement and which one you choose should be assessed by a qualified advisor, like an occupational therapist. The options available are:

Straight Stair lift: Straight stair lifts are the type most commonly seen in homes. These are straightforward affairs with a chair and footplate alongside the necessary safety features. You can also find outdoor versions of these lifts that are weatherproofed.

Curved Stair Lift:Curved stair lifts are designed to cope with a curve or turn in your staircase, making them ideal for tricky stairs. They can be designed with space saving in mind as fold-away models and are suitable for lots of different styles of staircase. There’s more information on curved stair lifts available at Ideal Stair lifts.

Perch Stair Lift: There are some disabilities that restrict the ease of sitting down. A perch stairlift can help you in this case. These units allow you to use a lift without having to sit, instead leaning back on a supportive panel and slight seat so that you ‘perch’ on the lift.

Spiral and Tight Stair Lift: Designed for the hardest to outfit homes, these stair lifts can be fitted in narrow staircases and spiral stairs, meaning even if you live in an older-style period home you can find a stair lift to help give you access to your upper floors.

A note on purchasing

Buying a stairlift can be expensive if you don’t get help towards the final price. However, you can always buy a reconditioned lift which significantly reduces the cost. These lifts are still tested and maintained to the highest standard and can be purchased from trusted providers like Ideal Stairlifts. Ultimately, it’s a question of whether a slight investment in a stair lift outweighs the impact of having to move homes.

28/07/2015

Whether you experience it yourself or you care for someone who is disabled, building a home that is disability friendly can be a huge undertaking, especially if you’re not sure what to focus on. Thankfully we’ve compiled a list of the main areas you’ll need to change to make your home accessible for yourself and guests.

Entrances

Entering your home can be a chore if it is not disability-friendly, so this is the first and most vital part of making a home disability-friendly. A garden and driveway that uses loose or unsteady material can be hard to cross in a wheelchair. Instead, use smooth paving or concrete to create a steady, even surface, avoid deep gravel.

If the approach or entrance is stepped, consider installing a ramp into your home if you haven’t already. This may be a smaller ramp or a longer, winding one depending on the steepness needed to breach.

Hallways

Hallways should be free from clutter and spaced to allow wheelchair access. You should keep shoes and other items that typically line hallways in dedicated storage. Ensure lighting is of a reasonable brightness and easy to operate so you aren’t left struggling in the dark.

Bathrooms

Installing a ground-level bathroom in a house with more than one floor can be a real blessing for disabled or elderly home-owners. While you can install devices to help tackle stairs, sometimes the speed and convenience that a downstairs bathroom provides is essential.

A bathroom should be designed with a similar ethos to hallways – with clutter minimised and space maximised. Toilets should be fitted with safety rails and possibly a hoist. If you use a bath it should be fitted with the relevant safety features. A shower too, should be designed around accessibility. Walk in wet-rooms are accessible and far safer than other forms of bathing, so consider installing one if its within your means.

Kitchen

Your kitchen is the hub of activity in your home and also a source of fierce independence. To ensure you can use it independently, it may be worth lowering all of the worktops. You can also install a lowered sink. Ensure all appliances can be reached easily and that any difficult to turn handles are replaced with levers and simple controls.

Staircases

While it may be advisable to move to a bungalow, there are many of us who won’t give up our homes. The main problem faced at home for most disabled and elderly users comes from the stairs. Thankfully, a good stair lift goes a long way to remedying the problem. Even in a home that has a complicated, multi-level staircase, you can use a platform stairlift to help you access the second floor.

Improving your home and incorporating these elements is an essential step for those experiencing disability or caring for a disabled person. These additions and adjustments will secure a home for future use, meaning you may not have to leave your pride and joy to move into more accessible accommodations.

Obviously every home and every disabled persons needs vary, these are just ideas and we hope you found them informative.

17/06/2015

Some people are born with a disability or disabling condition, others acquire them later in life. A recent disability could be the result of an accident or injury, an illness, a long-term condition or something temporary or short-term. Whatever the reason, coming to terms with your new disability will require a number of lifestyle changes. Here are five tips to help you to get started:

Ask for Help and Support

It can be tempting, particularly with a new disability, to try to ‘do it all’. You might wish to prove to someone else, or to yourself, that you’re still as able and capable as you’ve always been. The ‘disabled’ label is often one that people struggle with – see yourself instead as ‘differently abled’ or perhaps ‘in need of a little extra support’. Your disability does not make you vulnerable or weak, and there is no shame in admitting when certain things aren’t quite as easy as they used to be.

Your support might come from friends or family, or it could come from professionals or from online forums and groups. Most likely, it will come from a combination of them all.

Get the Right Equipment

The right equipment can go a long way to making your transition easier. Many people with new or acquired disabilities do not immediately realise that there are hundreds of tools and daily living aids that are designed to improve things. From mobility scooters to grab rails and from a tap-turning aid to a long-handled dustpan and brush, there are many products on the market that will keep you doing what you’ve always done – including the household chores!

Mobility Smart is a UK retailer of products that help those with mobility difficulties. Items can be purchased by individuals, organisations and companies or providers of care. Click here to find out more.

Make Contact in Advance

One of the hardest things to learn as a newly-disabled person is that the world is harder to navigate. It’s no longer as easy to be spontaneous, when you have to consider accessibility. If you have concerns about the availability of ramps, lifts, disabled toilet facilities or accessible hotel rooms, phone in advance rather than worrying on the way. A quick call won’t just set your mind at rest, it’ll also help people to prepare in advance for your arrival. Places often use folding ramps or temporary aids for people with disabilities, and so they might not always have everything to hand if you show up without any warning.

Get Out and About

If your disability is newly diagnosed, you may want to respond by locking yourself away whilst you get to grips with your new situation. The problem is that whilst your home is a comfort, you may become dependent on your protective bubble. The quicker you get out and back into your life, the more likely you are to come to terms with how things are. Plan a holiday, go back to work, simply run a few errands around your neighbourhood. Visit the park or go and see your family rather than inviting them to visit you. Whatever you do, make a point of pushing yourself to get beyond your front door.

Other resources include adjusting to disability with information supplied by NHS choices and Huffington Post article Walking a Mile in 'Special' Shoes: Dealing With Sudden Disability can be foundhere.

05/06/2015

Most of us know about diabetes and probably even know somebody that is diabetic so may well understand the risks and the complications that this common, yet dangerous condition can cause.

Because many diabetics have varying levels of sensitivity in their feet they are often at risk of ulcers, calluses and other conditions that most people would naturally and normally be aware of by their footwear causing them discomfort, rubbing or chafing especially with incorrectly fitted footwear.

Most diabetics will not be aware of these problems due to a lack of sensitivity so extra precaution has to be taken to ensure that the footwear that they are wearing poses a lesser risk of causing complications to their feet.

Diabetic footwear is especially designed for sensitive and vulnerable feet and generally have no protruding seems that could cause abrasions, they also tend to be made of softer material such as leather or suede that greatly reduce sweating of the feet that can in turn result in blisters on the toes or around the heel area.

Wide Fit Shoes specialise in diabetic shoes and offer a large range of styles for men, women and children including smart, everyday shoes, fashionable trainers, walking shoes and also everyday indoor footwear such as slippers.

As well as diabetics the same problem and potential risks are involved for anybody with poor circulation, lack of sensitivity in the feet and this includes many people with paralysis such as those with spinal injury or excessive nerve damage. The same rules apply and you should always ensure that your footwear is correctly fitting and you check your feet for damage on a regular basis. Diabetic footwear can and should also be worn by sufferers of these conditions.

While it is important that you choose the correct footwear it is just as important to make sure that you regularly check your feet for any sign of damage and that can be as simple as redness or mild swelling but most importantly you should not ignore these conditions and reduce the time that you wear any footwear as well as seeking medical advice if you find that the conditions worsen or does not get better over time. A very informative video along with leaflet downloads and information is offered on the Diabetes UK website.

Wide Fit Shoes have been established since 1965 and specialise in shoes and footwear for all problem feet and have dedicated stock to cater for diabetic feet. They are London based and offer all of their services online and provide downloadable brochures, measuring and fitting guides as well as dedicated, professional advice and assistance provided by calling 020 8907 1742.

13/04/2015

Most people think of adjustable beds as something only the disabled, elderly or infirm require this is probably because many people have only ever witnessed or slept in an adjustable bed while in hospital so tend to think of them as big bulky lumps of iron that raise you up and down or sit you up to enjoy your mouth watering hospital dinner (sorry, sarcasm creeping in their)

The actual benefits of an adjustable bed can of course be for health reasons, one great health benefits of having an adjustable bed is having the ability to raise the bottom of the bed so that your feet are higher, excellent for anybody suffering from swollen feet through a result of injury, disability or even recovering from something as simple as a broken leg where you need to reduce swelling or water retention by having a leg(s) raised. Riser recliner chairs are also very good at helping to reduce swelling in the lower leg and come in many stunning designs and colours to match your existing furniture.

Apart from the health reasons having an adjustable bed is one step further than enjoying the luxury of a memory foam mattress. Yes it will raise you up and down or sit you up if you need extra support but it will also allow you to create the most comfortable position for that great night’s sleep or whatever else you get up to in bed!

Adjustable beds come in all shapes and sizes including luxury double beds that individually tilt and rise to meet the individual person’s needs as well as single beds that fit into the smallest of rooms. All modern adjustable beds are electronically operated with one or two controllers allowing you to lie back and move your bed into the ideal position with the touch of a button.

Apart from this, the most surprising fact about electric adjustable beds is the price. Having recently purchased a luxury double adjustable bed I was surprised to find that it wasn’t a great deal more expensive than my old bed and after enjoying the luxury of my new all singing and dancing bed nobody would ever tempt me to go back to a standard bed.

17/02/2015

I can almost guarantee that if you ask anybody the question “who would benefit from having a riser/recliner chair?” 99.9% of people would say the elderly and of course they would be right. Many elderly people do struggle to get out of a standard chair and having a chair that rises slightly so there is less effort involved in getting into the standing position is of course a great help.

However not many people consider that there are also great benefit to be had by wheelchair users. Many of you might be thinking, why would a wheelchair user want to get out of one seat purely to sit in another?

So how can a riser/recliner chair benefit wheelchair users? Below are a few benefits that could help most if not all permanent wheelchair users:

• A change in posture preventing your body from getting used to one position only.

• Being able to recline offers pressure relief and allows the internal organs to work more efficiently.

• Being able to rest your head and shoulders can alleviate neck pain

• The reclining motion of a riser recliner chair can help stretch the back and leg muscles to help prevent stiffness.

A permanent wheelchair user will often sit in the same position, in the same chair most of their waking hours, this causes many problems over the years, firstly by your body getting used to mainly one position only. Permanent wheelchair users will also often get a curvature of the spine as the back is moulded to the shape of their wheelchair and of course there is also the important issue of pressure relief to prevent sores etc.

One of the greatest benefits to a wheelchair user is sitting for one or two hours a day in a riser recliner chair that has the added bonus of the foot rest being able to rise. This greatly helps with poor circulation especially in the feet and ankles allowing the blood to flow more freely helping to prevent swelling or oedema of the feet that is caused by sitting too long in a wheelchair.

Even if you sit in a riser recliner chair as an alternative chair watching TV for an hour each evening you will feel the benefits; unless of course you’re watching Big Brother! Try QI, it’s far more educational and really Quite Interesting!

Buying Tips

• Especially for wheelchair users it is most important to go for electric rather than manual recliners.

• Test a few models to find out if you need single or dual motors.

• Consider the size of the chair and if it not only fits you comfortably but also fits in your environment.

So there you have it, if you are a wheelchair user and spend a great deal of time in your wheelchair seriously give consideration to a riser recliner chair, you will properly find it more comfortable, easier to get out of and certainly better for your posture as well as helping to improve your circulation.

16/02/2015

The Motability scheme was set up in 1978 and has to date helped a staggering 3 million people to get a brand new car or wheelchair accessible vehicle. So what do you need to do get a shiny new car and what will it cost you? ABLEize has been digging deeper to get you the facts, makes and models available, cost involved and much more.

Firstly you or a disabled person in your family need to be getting the higher or enhanced rate of the mobility allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). If you do then you are well on the way to having your new car delivered.

Motability has changed greatly over the years and i’m pleased to say the changes have been for the better, On a personal note, I have been using Ford Motabiliy cars for many years, I had a short break when my annual millage was greater than the allowance back then of 12000 per annum but now it 20000 per annum i’m back and happy as a sandboy.

Here are a few of the Motability basics, what you get, allowances and any extra you may qualify for:

• A brand new car every 3 years or wheelchair accessible vehicle every 5 years
• Fully comprehensive insurance
• All servicing and standard maintenance
• Full breakdown cover both on the go or at home
• Road tax
• Replacement tyres
• Windscreen repair or replacement
• 60,000 mileage allowance over three years and a whopping 100,000 for WAV’s
• Several adaptations are free including fitting a wheelchair hoist
• Two named drivers so you can get family and friends to drive if needed

About Advanced Payments:

Most cars on the scheme are available without having to pay extra on top of your Mobility allowance, however if you want a better model, more expensive car or additional extras not already included you may have to pay an advanced payment. Use this link to find pricing options or contact your local dealer who will happily go through all your options with you.

The good news however is that most makes and models these days come packed with many extras as standard to help push sales and the Motability scheme is no different so look around to get freebies like satnav, aircon etc as standard. More than 150 cars actually cost less than your current weekly allowance of £56-75 as of Feb 2015, so look out for those too.

Because Motability is a national charity you may also get financial help including grants where you require a more expensive model or need a fully adapted vehicle to accommodate you in your wheelchair, need a hoist to get a wheelchair or mobility scooter in and out your car to help with your independance or essentials like hand controls, left foot throttle etc.

For more details about Motability and to find out if it's for you follow the highlighted link.

26/01/2015

There are more than 10 million people in the UK that have one form or other of hearing loss, that’s a staggering one in six people and 45,000 of them are deaf children and 800,000 of UK people are severely deaf. Apologies for boring you with statistics, that part is now covered I promise you.

We have been looking at hearing aids from an outsiders point of view along with what’s on the market and I must say I was very surprised at the technology and advances made over the years. Okay, I’m not so old that I remember those great big ear trumpets of bygone days but I do remember the behind the ear hearing aids that almost look like the wearer had grown as second ear and I can fully understand why people like my old grandma refused to wear one.

As with all things electronic they have seriously shrunk in size over the last five years or so and the quality, especially of the digital models has been greatly enhanced to make them more adjustable and clearer all round and more importantly able to be tuned to meet the users exact needs.

Analogue or Digital

Both the analogue and digital models can look very similar but work in very different ways. Analogue hearing aids amplify an electronic signal and the user can change the setting to match their surroundings such as a restaurant, quiet room or if they are inside in their own home or outside in a public place. Digital hearing aids on the other hand are more or less mini computers with many detecting the surroundings and making the best adjustments. Digital models are also less likely to produce annoying feedback or whistling that most of us have witnessed.

Behind the Ear

With this type the aid is worn behind the ear with a tube running down into the ear mould that contains the amplifying section. These are now much smaller than the older models and have clear tubing designed to hardly be noticed but are the most obvious of hearing aids to detect.

In the Ear Hearing Aids

These are much smaller and fit directly into the ear, they tend to be used by people with a greater degree of hearing loss.

Invisible Hearing Aids

These are the most recent and in many ways most advances hearing aids, they fit deep into the ear and are suitable for people with slight to moderate hearing impairments. Because of this and the fact that they are virtually invisible these tiny digital wonders are often the preferred option but are only fitted with the advice of a qualified audiologist.

Having a hearing impairment is a funny sort of disability, not funny ha-ha, no disability is ever that. I am saying funny because it is an invisible disability and if the user does not wear a usable aid to compensate for their hearing lose the person having difficulties communicating with them will often have no idea why they are not getting a reply or at worse not getting the reply they are expecting, because of this hidden disabilities are often the most difficult to live with.

On that note it very important to get the right hearing aid for you. Reading more about choosing digital hearing aids would be strongly advised to find the right device that works for you and your personal needs, we can’t tell you what that is, we can only give you the informed information and suggest you always use a professional and qualified audiologist that undertakes a full assessment and these will always be available at all well know hearing aid suppliers.

So if you are thinking of buying a cheap hearing aid online without an assessment our simple and firm advice is don’t!

21/01/2015

Getting in or out of a bath or raised plinth shower is undoubtedly one of the most difficult as well as dangerous household activities to undertake for the disabled and elderly or anybody with permanent or temporary mobility problems.

Getting up to the standing position from a bath even with the best non-slip mat installed can often result in a serious slipping accident, the combination of water, soap and modern day bath oils will make any surface slippery and ultimately dangerous when trying to get up from a very low level. A recent study found that people over the age of 65 accounted for 79% of bathroom injuries, the study also found that the bathroom is the second most dangerous room in the house (after the kitchen).

Recently we have been looking at the viable solutions to what is a serious problem and checking out a range of safe bath and shower solutions including easy to install support rails and shower seats to assist the elderly and those with minor mobility problems and a more economical solution of installing a bath lift in your existing bath.

The safest solution would be to have a wetroom created so you can enter the shower area from the safety of a wheelchair or shower chair, however this is the most expensive solution and sadly one that is not available to everybody due to the larger room size needed to manoeuvre.

Easy Access Showers:

These type of showers differ from the standard shower cubicles and often provide complete level access or a very minor single step to negotiate along with carefully positioned grab and support rails that are installed to meet your exact needs and help you safely get in and out of the shower as well as providing support while showering.

You can have the option of a fold up shower seat so that you can sit and shower using the height adjustable shower with controls that are designed to be accessible from both a standing and sitting position. This helps reduce the time needed to stand and offers a greater amount of safety.

Bath Lifts:
There are a number of bath lifts on the market, some good, some bad and some downright dangerous. It is therefore important that you make sure that you get the best bath lift to meet your mobility needs, one of the better ones is highlighted below.

Check out a mobility bath lift video by following the highlighted link or make contact with a professional bath lift supplier such as AquaLift Bathlifts on 0800 256 3735 for advice, competitive price guides and details of a free home demo.

19/01/2015

Today, the UK Motability Scheme
has made it so much easier for a family with a disabled family member
to travel around more comfortably – and conveniently. The scheme
provides a chance for disabled individuals to have some independence
back in their lives through the opportunities of disabled cars and
wheelchair access vehicles designed for everyday travel in and around
the UK.

More About the Motability Scheme

There
are many ways that the UK government can help financially those living
with a disability; vehicles and transport is one of the key areas of
help available. The UK Motability Scheme can help with anyone in need of
a wheelchair, scooter, a car or a van for getting around. Those who are
eligible in this scheme will be able to exchange their mobility
allowance for a vehicle from a registered supplier. If you are looking
for a new vehicle, always be sure to choose a recommended supplier with
all the right credentials. Allied Mobility is the UK’s leading supplier
of disabled vehicles and can offer a whole range of vehicles including cars which can be driven from the wheelchair or cars with wheelchair access at the back.

Other
benefits you will receive include the Blue Badge Parking Scheme and
vehicle tax exemption. To claim for tax reduction, find out more
information and learn how to apply on the Gov.uk information website.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

The
advancements in the technology now provide a full range of options for
people living with disabilities. To find the right vehicle, always speak
to a leading supplier to discuss the options available.

Wheelchair
accessible cars, like many modern day vehicles, are now available
either new or used. So if you are funding the costs of the car on your
own, you will have a number of options across all price ranges.
Financing is often available with disabled vehicles should you not
qualify for the Motability Scheme discounts.

Another
option is the self-drive disabled vehicle which allows a wheelchair
user to drive the car from their wheelchair. This amazing advancement
promotes an independent life and makes travel much easier. The Peugeot
Impulse is one of these incredible modern motors; with a ramp installed
at the back and a spacious rear area, it offers the flexibility of being
driven up front or for wheelchair users to travel as a passenger.

The
Peugeot Impulse offers families an all-round vehicle that can be used
in any situation. To find out more about this car and how it drives,
take a look at this YouTube video.

Travelling with a disability can be a challenge all on its own. But when you’re over 65, wheelchair travel can sometimes pose even more difficulties. So if you’re planning your next holiday abroad, be sure to take the necessary precautions. Here are some tips on planning the ultimate holiday for wheelchair users.

Choose a Wheelchair Friendly Destination

Being in a wheelchair should never restrict you from doing the things you want to do or seeing the places you want to see. But if you’ve reached the golden age and you’re looking for somewhere with minimum fuss and inconvenience, why not do a little research on the world’s best wheelchair friendly destinations?

The best wheelchair friendly destinations are often modern cities and The Access City Awards give us a great insight into what some of these cities are doing to improve accessibility on their streets. These annual awards look at the accessibility of pathways, roads and crossings – and it also looks at the accessibility of transport links including buses, trains and taxi hire.

Currenntly, some of the best cities in Europe include Berlin (Germany), Grenoble (France), Goteborg (Sweden), Dresden (Germany), Malaga (Spain), Burgos (Spain) and Poznan (Poland). But this is by no means the limited list and it’s well worth researching cities which have won awards in the past few years.

Get the Right Insurance Cover

Insurance cover is often overlooked or left until the last minute. But it’s essential – no matter what age you are – to get it sorted in plenty of time before flying. For the over 65 wheelchair traveller, it’s even more critical and no-one should ever leave home with sufficient cover in place.

When searching for the right insurance cover, be sure to find specialist travel insurance to suit your needs and your age. Being completely upfront with pre-existing medical conditions is important if you want to make sure you have the best access to medical help when you are travelling outside of your home country. Although many insurance shoppers are worried about paying higher rates, there really is a huge benefit to getting your cover right; the best insurance cover will mean that you don’t suffer any expensive medical surprises.

For instance, without insurance abroad, you could be paying up to £45,000 for an air ambulance in the USA (or £16,000 in the Canary Islands). A broken arm abroad could cost you up to £11,000 for treatment or for the simple care of a burn blister, it could be around £100.

So whether you are planning a leisurely beach holiday or something which includes a bit more physical activity, it’s important to get the best insurance policy – not just the cheapest.

For more advice on foreign travel insurance, be sure to visit the Gov.uk website.

About ABLEize

We are a group of disabled guys and girls that not only run this blog but also run www.ableize.com the UK's largest and busiest disability resource recently hitting 25,000.000 unique website hits. Feel free to share your thought, views product reviews and findings with the disabled community.